Too much water and chemicals
Get into the habit of wearing rubber gloves when you do any cleaning around the house.
The reason? Cleaning agents can be extremely harsh on both nails and hands. The nails when exposed to water, swell and then shrink back as they dry. This contributes to brittle nails.
Thursday, September 3, 2009
Soft Hands
Soft Hands
So your hands don't feel soft anymore?
Before you go to bed, lavish on the Vaseline and then pop on a pair of cotton gloves. Your hands will be incredibly soft by morning.
So your hands don't feel soft anymore?
Before you go to bed, lavish on the Vaseline and then pop on a pair of cotton gloves. Your hands will be incredibly soft by morning.
Brittle Nails
What to do about brittle nails
The most common nail wreckers are harsh detergents and water, which can stress nail fibers. So be sure to put rubber gloves on while you clean or do dishes.
Also, avoid using perfume lotions that usually contain alcohol if your nails are brittle. It will only make your nails worse.
It may be possible that your calcium intake is low, as well.
The most common nail wreckers are harsh detergents and water, which can stress nail fibers. So be sure to put rubber gloves on while you clean or do dishes.
Also, avoid using perfume lotions that usually contain alcohol if your nails are brittle. It will only make your nails worse.
It may be possible that your calcium intake is low, as well.
Storing Nail Polish
The best place to store your nail polish
Don't store polish in a warm place as the polish will change consistency.
Contrary to popular belief, it is a good idea to store it in the refrigerator.
Don't store polish in a warm place as the polish will change consistency.
Contrary to popular belief, it is a good idea to store it in the refrigerator.
Natural Nails
Tips to Keep Your Nails Strong and Sexy
by Kathryn D'Imperio
When you write down your shopping list, as you punch a phone number into your cell, while you wash dishes, do the ironing, clean the windows, or do one hundred other things that women do on any given day � do you take notice of the condition of your nails?
Our hands are such an integral part of our daily lives, and constantly, we risk their health and strength, often without even noticing, because of the hustle and bustle of our day-to-day activities. Take a few moments each day, or at least a few times a week, to monitor the condition of your nails � the color, the texture, the appearance of ridges or white marks.
Make a greater effort to take good care of your nails, and you will be thrilled with the way they complement your wardrobe and your own personal style. Consider the following tips as a way to enhance the health and quality of your nails.
Great, Healthy Nails
by Kathryn D'Imperio
When you write down your shopping list, as you punch a phone number into your cell, while you wash dishes, do the ironing, clean the windows, or do one hundred other things that women do on any given day � do you take notice of the condition of your nails?
Our hands are such an integral part of our daily lives, and constantly, we risk their health and strength, often without even noticing, because of the hustle and bustle of our day-to-day activities. Take a few moments each day, or at least a few times a week, to monitor the condition of your nails � the color, the texture, the appearance of ridges or white marks.
Make a greater effort to take good care of your nails, and you will be thrilled with the way they complement your wardrobe and your own personal style. Consider the following tips as a way to enhance the health and quality of your nails.
Great, Healthy Nails
Apply speed-dry nail polish when time is of the essence.
Drink lots of water. Keep your body hydrated everyday to maintain healthy nails.
Fortify your diet with FDA approved vitamins or supplements. Your fingernails count on you to be responsible with your health and your diet. Unless instructed otherwise by your physician, increase your daily doses of Vitamin A, Vitamin C, calcium, folic acid, protein, Vitamin B12, and zinc.
Touch up your manicure on a daily basis to prevent chips and cracks.
Your nails depend on you to maintain a healthy diet. Take in lots.
Nail polish tips:
Finish with a clear topcoat to add gloss and sheen.
Start with a base coat to strengthen and protect the nails.
Store nail polish in the refrigerator to maintain a smooth consistency.
Try not to store nail polish in a room that becomes cold. The nail polish bottles may break without warning, leaving you with a big mess.
To avoid breaking nails or brittle nails:
Avoid using your nails as tools. This means no picking, scratching, digging, pinching, etc. You know who you are!
Increase the amount of calcium in your diet.
Use products containing alcohol, especially perfumed lotions, sparingly. These items can make nails prone to breaking.
Wear rubber gloves when you do chores that involve continual submersion in water or contact with harsh detergents or chemicals.
Long Nails - Sexy or Risky?
About Long Nails
Long nails on women are considered sexy by many people, but there is caution. According to a study done by Shelly McNeil, M.D., an infectious-disease specialist at Dalhousie University in Halifax, Nova Scotia, nails longer than three centimeters (just a bit over one inch) are five times more likely than trimmed nails to carry the pesky pathogens that cause staph and yeast infections.
To be on the safe side, Dr. McNeil warns that you need to be diligent about washing your hands (especially after contact with such germ-prone items as doorknobs, public toilets and gym equipment). You also might want to carry an alcohol-based hand gel that can be used to disinfect your hands when soap and water aren't available.
Note: Acrylics and other falsies can carry more harmful bacteria and are more difficult to disinfect.
http://free-beauty-tips.glam.com/long-nails.html
Long nails on women are considered sexy by many people, but there is caution. According to a study done by Shelly McNeil, M.D., an infectious-disease specialist at Dalhousie University in Halifax, Nova Scotia, nails longer than three centimeters (just a bit over one inch) are five times more likely than trimmed nails to carry the pesky pathogens that cause staph and yeast infections.
To be on the safe side, Dr. McNeil warns that you need to be diligent about washing your hands (especially after contact with such germ-prone items as doorknobs, public toilets and gym equipment). You also might want to carry an alcohol-based hand gel that can be used to disinfect your hands when soap and water aren't available.
Note: Acrylics and other falsies can carry more harmful bacteria and are more difficult to disinfect.
http://free-beauty-tips.glam.com/long-nails.html
Monday, August 17, 2009
Tuesday, July 14, 2009
Is Coconut Oil Good For Nails?
Nourishing nails
First, it is known that nails are more flexible when the water content is higher. And when you’re nails are more flexible they’re less likely to chip and break. But surprisingly, oil alone does not have much effect on nails. Researchers treated nails with mineral oil showed no increase in flexibility. But when they applied mineral oil to previously hydrated nails their flexibility was increased. This finding suggests the oil itself is not strengthening the nail against breakage, but that the oil can lock in water.
Another experiment showed that an oil and water mixture (specifically a phospholipid-water preparation for those of you keeping score at home) did boost nail flexibility. The researchers theorized that oily material that can bind and seal water in the nails are helpful in improving flexibility (and therefore, strength.)
Second, the same article also pointed out that some materials can penetrate the nail but there was no indication that penetration and strengthening were connected.
The Beauty Brains bottom line
Oil can help keep nails moisturized and keep them strong by making them more flexible so they’re less likely to chip and break. But it appears that using lotion should be better than oil alone, unless you’re hydrating your nails first and then using oil to seal in the moisture.
Source:
J. Cosmet. Sci., 50, 363-385 (November/December 1999) Structural characteristics and permeability properties of the human nail: A review GOURI V. GUPCHUP and JOEL L. ZATZ, College of Pharmacy, Rutgers University
http://thebeautybrains.com/2009/07/14/is-coconut-oil-good-for-nails/
First, it is known that nails are more flexible when the water content is higher. And when you’re nails are more flexible they’re less likely to chip and break. But surprisingly, oil alone does not have much effect on nails. Researchers treated nails with mineral oil showed no increase in flexibility. But when they applied mineral oil to previously hydrated nails their flexibility was increased. This finding suggests the oil itself is not strengthening the nail against breakage, but that the oil can lock in water.
Another experiment showed that an oil and water mixture (specifically a phospholipid-water preparation for those of you keeping score at home) did boost nail flexibility. The researchers theorized that oily material that can bind and seal water in the nails are helpful in improving flexibility (and therefore, strength.)
Second, the same article also pointed out that some materials can penetrate the nail but there was no indication that penetration and strengthening were connected.
The Beauty Brains bottom line
Oil can help keep nails moisturized and keep them strong by making them more flexible so they’re less likely to chip and break. But it appears that using lotion should be better than oil alone, unless you’re hydrating your nails first and then using oil to seal in the moisture.
Source:
J. Cosmet. Sci., 50, 363-385 (November/December 1999) Structural characteristics and permeability properties of the human nail: A review GOURI V. GUPCHUP and JOEL L. ZATZ, College of Pharmacy, Rutgers University
http://thebeautybrains.com/2009/07/14/is-coconut-oil-good-for-nails/
Monday, June 22, 2009
Nutrition for your nails
Nutritional Steps to Healthy Nails By Corinna Richards
What you eat will reflect on the health of your nails, too.
What you eat will reflect on the health of your nails, too.
- Lack of vitamin A and calcium causes dryness and brittleness.
- Lack of protein, folic acid and vitamin C causes hang nails.
- White bands across the nails are caused by protein deficiency.
- A lack of sufficient hydrochloric acid can cause splitting nails.
- Insufficient intake or vitamin B12 can lead to excessive dryness, very rounded and curved ends and darkening of nails.
- Insufficient zinc can cause development of white spots on the nails.
- Cuts and cracks in the nails may indicate a need for more liquids.
- Red skin around your cuticles can be caused by poor metabolism of essential fatty acids.
Here are the guidelines to follow for improving the health of your nails:
- Eat a diet composed of 50% fruit and raw vegetables in order to supply necessary vitamins, minerals and enzymes. Eat foods rich in sulfur and silicon, such as broccoli, fish and onions. Include foods rich in biotin such as soy, brewer�s yeast and whole grains.
- Drink plenty of water and other liquids.
- You may supplement your diet with royal jelly, spirulina or kelp, which are rich in silica, zinc and B vitamins and help to strengthen your nails.
- Drink fresh carrot juice daily, this is high in calcium and phosphorus and is excellent for strengthening nails.
- Eat well and your whole body will be better, healthier, more beautiful!
Monday, June 8, 2009
Summertime Foot Care Myths
Summer is here, and many of you will be kicking off your shoes at home, at the beach or in the park. But is that a good thing?
To sort the myths from the facts about your feet, Dr. Tracey Vlahovic, associate professor of podiatric medicine and orthopedics at Temple University's School of Podiatric Medicine, offers this information about your tootsies with a caveat -- always check with your doctor before starting any treatment:
Myth: Flats, flip-flops and going barefoot are good for your feet.
Fact: "This is a common misconception, because we always hear about the problems with high heels," Vlahovic said in a prepared statement. "But these three present their own types of problems." Flip-flops provide no support, which can cause plantar fasciitis, ankle sprains and tendonitis. Wearing flats can lead to severe heel pain and blisters, crowding toes and conditions such as hammertoes and bunions. Walking barefoot leaves feet open to cuts, scrapes, bruises, and puncture wounds along with skin issues or nail injuries.
Diagnosis: Flip-flops or flats are fine for a few hours, but you should stretch your Achilles tendon for a bit if you wear them for longer than that, Vlahovic said. Save walking barefoot for around your own home, unless you are at risk for diabetes or have peripheral vascular disease. In those cases, always wear shoes in and out of the house.
Myth: Over-the-counter scrubs and soaks for corns are safe and effective.
Fact: "At-home soaks or scrubs would just exfoliate, not remove corns," Vlahovic said.
Diagnosis: A corn is a buildup of skin with a hard center. This often is caused by a hammertoe in which the toe knuckle rubs against the shoe. To permanently remove a corn, the hammertoe must be corrected so that it stops rubbing against the shoe. Or, just wear shoes with a wider toe box.
Myth: Feet don't need sunscreen.
Fact: "Skin cancer on the legs and feet actually has a high mortality rate due to people forgetting to do skin checks on that area. It's often caught too late," Vlahovic said. "This is due in large part to the fact that many people simply forget to apply or reapply sunscreen to the lower extremities."
Diagnosis: Apply sunscreen with an SPF of at least 15 and with both UVB and UVA protection every two to three hours to the feet. Apply more often if you're going to be at the beach, in and out of the water, or sweating.
Myth: All pedicure salons use sterile instruments, so it's fine to use theirs.
Fact: "Unfortunately, this is not the case with all nail salons," Vlahovic said. "As a result, the instruments can spread germs that can cause nail fungus and bacterial infections."
Diagnosis: Invest in your own nail files, clippers and cuticle sticks, unless you can be sure your nail salon sterilizes its instruments after each use. Also ask the technician if they have a clean bowl or basin or one with individual liners before sticking your feet in the motorized tub.
Myth: It's best to trim your toenails straight across.
Fact: Doing this, and cutting them too short, can lead to ingrown toenails, a true danger for diabetics. Untreated ingrown toenails can lead to infection and possibly an abscess requiring corrective surgery.
Diagnosis: Leave the nail slightly longer, trimming along the natural curve of your toe.
Myth: Soaking your feet in vinegar clears up toenail fungus.
Fact: "Vinegar can't penetrate the layers of the nail to get to the infection site. And without proper treatment, the infection can spread to other nails," Vlahovic said.
Diagnosis: See your dermatologist or podiatrist so they can perform a culture to see if it is definitely a fungal infection. Follow their instructions to the letter to avoid a recurrence.
Myth: Athlete's foot and warts aren't contagious.
Fact: Both are highly contagious, and easily spread in environments such as locker rooms or showers. They are often picked up through small breaks in the skin of the foot bottom.
Diagnosis: Keep your feet clean and dry, don't wear dirty socks and thoroughly clean your bath or shower area. "If one person in the household has it, everyone should be cautious and take proper precautions," Vlahovic said. If you must use a public shower, wear flip-flops.
Myth: Duct tape removes plantar warts.
Fact: Studies have shown duct tape to be one of the many ways to treat warts, but Vlahovic noted that several studies have shown duct tape in no better than a placebo.
Diagnosis: "If you have a plantar wart, don't pick or perform bathroom surgery on it," Vlahovic said "Don't put duct tape on it and expect it to go away, since there is a specific protocol for using it. See your dermatologist or podiatrist for this and other treatment options."
More information
The U.S. National Library of Medicine has more about foot health.
To sort the myths from the facts about your feet, Dr. Tracey Vlahovic, associate professor of podiatric medicine and orthopedics at Temple University's School of Podiatric Medicine, offers this information about your tootsies with a caveat -- always check with your doctor before starting any treatment:
Myth: Flats, flip-flops and going barefoot are good for your feet.
Fact: "This is a common misconception, because we always hear about the problems with high heels," Vlahovic said in a prepared statement. "But these three present their own types of problems." Flip-flops provide no support, which can cause plantar fasciitis, ankle sprains and tendonitis. Wearing flats can lead to severe heel pain and blisters, crowding toes and conditions such as hammertoes and bunions. Walking barefoot leaves feet open to cuts, scrapes, bruises, and puncture wounds along with skin issues or nail injuries.
Diagnosis: Flip-flops or flats are fine for a few hours, but you should stretch your Achilles tendon for a bit if you wear them for longer than that, Vlahovic said. Save walking barefoot for around your own home, unless you are at risk for diabetes or have peripheral vascular disease. In those cases, always wear shoes in and out of the house.
Myth: Over-the-counter scrubs and soaks for corns are safe and effective.
Fact: "At-home soaks or scrubs would just exfoliate, not remove corns," Vlahovic said.
Diagnosis: A corn is a buildup of skin with a hard center. This often is caused by a hammertoe in which the toe knuckle rubs against the shoe. To permanently remove a corn, the hammertoe must be corrected so that it stops rubbing against the shoe. Or, just wear shoes with a wider toe box.
Myth: Feet don't need sunscreen.
Fact: "Skin cancer on the legs and feet actually has a high mortality rate due to people forgetting to do skin checks on that area. It's often caught too late," Vlahovic said. "This is due in large part to the fact that many people simply forget to apply or reapply sunscreen to the lower extremities."
Diagnosis: Apply sunscreen with an SPF of at least 15 and with both UVB and UVA protection every two to three hours to the feet. Apply more often if you're going to be at the beach, in and out of the water, or sweating.
Myth: All pedicure salons use sterile instruments, so it's fine to use theirs.
Fact: "Unfortunately, this is not the case with all nail salons," Vlahovic said. "As a result, the instruments can spread germs that can cause nail fungus and bacterial infections."
Diagnosis: Invest in your own nail files, clippers and cuticle sticks, unless you can be sure your nail salon sterilizes its instruments after each use. Also ask the technician if they have a clean bowl or basin or one with individual liners before sticking your feet in the motorized tub.
Myth: It's best to trim your toenails straight across.
Fact: Doing this, and cutting them too short, can lead to ingrown toenails, a true danger for diabetics. Untreated ingrown toenails can lead to infection and possibly an abscess requiring corrective surgery.
Diagnosis: Leave the nail slightly longer, trimming along the natural curve of your toe.
Myth: Soaking your feet in vinegar clears up toenail fungus.
Fact: "Vinegar can't penetrate the layers of the nail to get to the infection site. And without proper treatment, the infection can spread to other nails," Vlahovic said.
Diagnosis: See your dermatologist or podiatrist so they can perform a culture to see if it is definitely a fungal infection. Follow their instructions to the letter to avoid a recurrence.
Myth: Athlete's foot and warts aren't contagious.
Fact: Both are highly contagious, and easily spread in environments such as locker rooms or showers. They are often picked up through small breaks in the skin of the foot bottom.
Diagnosis: Keep your feet clean and dry, don't wear dirty socks and thoroughly clean your bath or shower area. "If one person in the household has it, everyone should be cautious and take proper precautions," Vlahovic said. If you must use a public shower, wear flip-flops.
Myth: Duct tape removes plantar warts.
Fact: Studies have shown duct tape to be one of the many ways to treat warts, but Vlahovic noted that several studies have shown duct tape in no better than a placebo.
Diagnosis: "If you have a plantar wart, don't pick or perform bathroom surgery on it," Vlahovic said "Don't put duct tape on it and expect it to go away, since there is a specific protocol for using it. See your dermatologist or podiatrist for this and other treatment options."
More information
The U.S. National Library of Medicine has more about foot health.
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